I am currently attempting to build a pro-street 81 Ram half ton. I purchased a 440/727 combo out of a motorhome to install. I currently have it sitting on the bare frame with the engine bolted up to the mounts but I have found that the tranny does not fit right in. What is the trick to get the tranny to bolt in? Is it easier to just build a custom crossmember? Has anyone ran into this problem?

 

In your case it probablly be easier and cheaper to fab a new mount. Is the tailhousing too short or too long? They made a short and long tailshaft. you can swap the output shaft and tailhousing to make it work.

 

i have a 400/727 combo in my 87 1/2 ton, i didn't have any problems w/ stuff bolting up right. Might be able to get the 78 big Block Crossmember and replace your small block on.

 

Personally, I wouldn't spend upwards of $1500 on a crate engine. You can always find stock 440 or 360 engines on craigslist or at your local junkyards, and for cheap. I have been able to price engine/trans setups from RVs for under $600. I found a 1970 413 CI with a 727 with only 50,000 miles on it for $450. Engine/trans mounts aren't that hard to relocate. I guess it all depends on the power you want (440 doesn't guarantee anything), the torque you want (gearing), and the application of it all. Drive shafts can be custom made so build you engine, find your transmission and THEN worry about the rest.

 

the engines in rv's are build for torque and can make for a lot of fun if installed in a truck.

 

Yeah a crate motor is nice but there are so many used motors on Craigslist. I just bought a 73 Winnebago for $500 and drove it home. Has a 440 and a 727 in it and I'll get $300 from a scrap yard for the rest of it!